POLLING and counting in the Bougainville’ election have been calm.
The territory’s Electoral Commissioner, Desmond Tsuianai, said operations had been smooth and results had started to flow in after some initial delays.
Full results should be available tomorrow (Sunday).
“The presidential ballot [is] still doing the counting, first preference counting,’’ Tsianai told Pacific Waves.
“We haven’t entered into the elimination or votes distribution as yet.”
Members elected to the house so far are Robin Wilson (Barawa); Martin Avoata (Rotokas); Albert Punghau (Motuna Huyono Tokunutui); Lawrence Namusi (Baba); Melvin Iziras Wilolopa (Lato); Jason Baranangko (Rau); Justin Bonai (Bolave); Lucas Bierepi (Kereaka); Fabian Epota Saleu (Torokina); and Ezekiel Masatt (Tonsu).
Seven candidates–all men–are contesting the Bougainville presidency.
“We still have to complete the first preferential counting for the regional seats for women, and éx-combatant for the three regions,” Tsianai said.
Bougainville is an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea and has 38 single-member constituencies. There are also three regional seats for women, three for ex combatants and the presidential seat, for a 45-member parliament.
The territory voted in 2019 to become an independent nation and talks with PNG continue.